Hey guys, I am putting the feelers out to see who wants to participate in a Drummers Intensive day in LA. I will be in LA at the end of the month and I got a couple of requests to do one. So...

Here we are...Drummers Intensive day L.A.!!!!

Date - potential date is July 28th

OutlineThe Drummers Intensive day was started to serve the needs of drummers across the globe. After 17 years of doing clinics on a worldwide basis, I know first hand that players still have a burning desire to learn and improve their craft. As we all know this learning process never stops, for any of us. The question is always...who to turn to, and how to get time with players that have vast experience in their particular field. How can we even find them when they are not in our area of the world? Dealing with scheduling conflicts and expenses of a 1 on 1 lesson can also be a hurdle. So to make our drumming and our drumming community stronger, the Drummers Intensive day was started.

Central ConceptThe central concept of the "Drummers Intensive Day" is to provide students with playing time in front of some of the best players in the world. In a clinic setting we have the opportunity to see experienced players play, showcase equipment, give playing ideas and inspiration. But only 2 hours of watching someone play can leave lots of holes and questions. And of course there is no time for participants to get up and play and have feedback in any way. Maybe many drummers are also hesitant to ask questions because of fear or they are simply too shy. I found that this problem is overcome by putting sticks in that persons hands and saying..."lets hear where you are". This removes all inhibitions and lets us all share the joy of our journey in drumming. While getting the best advice from experienced players in a setting that is both constructive, musically safe and has the best outcome for the participant in mind.

What takes place?In this 5 to 6 hour journey into drumming, the hosts will guide participants through the area in which they have outstanding expertise. Participants not only watch and learn but also take part! When you are at a Drummers intensive day...be ready to play! When you attend, you must be ready to play on drumset and in front of everyone at the event. You will play to backing tracks, and play along with the instructor. You will then receive feedback from them as well as your fellow participants. That is what makes this event unique. We have plenty of time to accommodate all questions and explore the subject matter at hand deeply and thoroughly.

Who's there?Phil is one of the worlds top clinicians. With a schedule that takes him around the world, his Instructional books and DVD have allowed him the opportunity to reach thousands of drummers, students and professionals alike, with enthusiastic response. As a clinician Phil has taught and performed at the most prestigious drum institutions and venues:

These are workshops that I have given in Europe extensively. Drummers of many different levels enjoy them very much. An intensive event involves a 6 hour seminar. It will cover a range of topics assembled to some degree according to the level of players that attend. (yes there will be breaks and not 6 hours straight) And there will be a limit to the amount of players at the event.

However, I will be tailoring the event to some degree according to the level and interest of the participants.

How to Practice?? Yes, it takes one hour to teach someone how to practice. It is involved and is its own separate skill. There is a full on method to this which you will receive as print outs. Including the central concept, analysis and breakdown of subject matter, scheduling and mental preparation.

The seminar will be held in the LA area. I am going to work out exactly where and any suggestions you might have are welcome. Usually in a rehearsal studio. (Most likely here in the Valley.)

The event will be a combination of "information / discovery" and "hands on". In other words, participants will be playing as much as possible instead of purely watching in order to receive proper evaluation. You must be prepared to play in one of the following situations.

A) To tracks with charts on kit
B) With me on percussion and you on kitC) On pads and snare drums.

What you will take home to continue your work from the event.My books------------
1) "Working the Inner clock"
2) "Latin soloing for the drumset"
3) Available tracks from my new book "Inner clock 2" along with the workbook and charts
4) Full version of PDF files from my DVD " Afro cuban Drumming"
5) The full practice method.

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PS Here is some and a breakdown and timetable of parts of the event

Presentation is based on material from my books as well as from my new DVD "Afro Cuban Drumming - An overview for the Drumset"

Part 1 / Working the Inner ClockThe concept of this book is explored by working on a series of exercises. The exercises are contained within contemporary song formats and are worked on by using a play along CD and Charts. Their purpose is to allow players to expand their "Inner clock" by attacking specific subdivisions and figures.
While analyzing the "ebb and flow" effects on music by subdivisions, we can internalize phrases and increase our sense of "time" by becoming fully aware of these properties of rhythm, in the body and mind. Clinic participants are encouraged to be a part of the activities. They are called up to play at random. Their performance is analyzed and if necessary the player is given adjustments and tips to continue on.

Part 2 / "Latin Soloing for the Drumset" - "Afro Cuban drumming"This presentation focuses on a concept from the book called "RTS". (Relayed time shifting). A system designed to decode the phrasing of African descent music. Through the use of RTS players are taken through a variety of styles (Afro Cuban / Brazilian etc) and are given a totally unique insight into how this music is played with an authentic feel. This concept is the only one that combines the ancient and mystical rhythms of the past, with their modern day counterparts. Finally giving drummers a system to achieve a mastery of this most intense and elusive genre of drumming.

Schedule: Hour 2
1) Introductions
2) Open Solos - Batucada, Soca, Afro Cuban, Cumbia, Malambo, Funk, Straight ahead.
3) Exploration of RTS concept
4) Played examples from book
5) Construction of an afro Cuban based drum solo
7) Working with percussionists in a rhythm section
6) How to solo with left foot clave

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The cost $100.00 US per person. If you are coming from Europe it will also be dollars not Euro. We would need to confirm your attendance before the evet and to reserve your spot we need to get the fees together asap.Date - potential date is July 28th

If you would like to talk about attending and any other suggestion or question, please write me

There is a very good chance that Cliff Almond will also be involved in the event so it would be the both of us doing the seminar. Dividing the subjects. I am not 100% sure yet though, I am discussing Cliffs schedule and availability.